Sun Sep 21 00:15:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Heavy rainfall in Vellore, India, caused a lake to breach, leading to severe waterlogging on the service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) near Green Circle. This, combined with poor illumination, caused significant traffic congestion. Motorists have been consistently facing this problem with a motorist claiming that the district collector should find a solution. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) restored the service lane using pumps. They will construct new, larger drains to address the issue, but residents are seeking a permanent solution to the perennial flooding.
**News Article:**
**Traffic Snarls Plague Chennai-Bengaluru Highway Near Vellore After Heavy Rains**
*Vellore, India – September 21, 2025* – Motorists faced significant traffic disruptions near Vellore this weekend due to severe waterlogging on a service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48). The inundation, near Green Circle, was caused by the breach of a nearby lake following heavy overnight rainfall.
The compromised service lane, a critical route for vehicles from Ranipet, Old Town, Ambur, Arcot, and Tirupattur heading towards Katpadi, became nearly impassable. Compounding the problem, poor illumination along the lane further hampered visibility and safe driving conditions, leading to extensive traffic delays.
“The waterlogging on the service lane, especially near the culvert, is a perennial problem during rains,” stated a State Highways official. Existing stormwater drains proved inadequate to handle the excess rainwater from low-lying areas like Shenbakkam and Kansalpet, contributing to the flooding.
Frustrated motorists are demanding a permanent solution. “The District Collector should find a permanent solution for water logging on the service lane as motorists including women and senior citizens have to risk themselves when using the inundated stretch during night,” said B. Manjula, a motorist impacted by the delays.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) responded to the crisis by deploying high-power pumpsets to remove the stagnated water. After a day-long operation, water levels on the service lane receded.
Looking ahead, NHAI officials announced plans to construct new, larger drains along the service lane, extending approximately 1.2 kilometers towards the Collectorate office. These drains, measuring one meter wide and 1.5 meters deep, will connect to the existing culvert for improved water discharge into the Palar River. Construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks.
While the immediate situation has been addressed, local residents and commuters are eagerly awaiting the completion of the new drainage system in hopes of finally resolving the recurring flooding issue on this vital stretch of highway.
First Piper 